Nas - Hey Young World

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and it can also drive home a point for a new generation sadly making the same old mistakes. For example, take Nas’ Hey Young World, a remake of legendary wordsmith Slick Rick’s classic 1989 single. The importance of the message first delivered two decades ago has not changed (respect your elders, never stop learning, be an individual), and yet God’s Son makes it sound as fresh as ever. DJ Green Lantern gives the updated track a grittier production for Nas to flow over, which he does like always with comfort and ease, getting on his social tip with sensible lyrics like: “life is long, it’s important that its played like a sport.” There’s no need for the “which one’s better?” routine here. Instead, let’s just respect both hip-hop offerings. If you were digging this cut, be sure to check out the rest of Levi’s Pioneer Sessions, also scheduled to feature The Roots, Raphael Saadiq and more in the coming weeks. Now go make your mom happy and read a book.